Select Local Merchants

The doctors and staff at Integrated Physical Medicine treat a broad range of ailments by way of chiropractic techniques, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and more. By taking a 360-degree approach—which entails applying a variety of treatment techniques to any given problem—the pros customize their rehabilitation methods in order to repair injuries and strengthen individuals’ defenses against future pain.

Voted "Best Pumpkin Fest" by viewers of Fox News Chicago, Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm captivates visitors with the autumn-themed fun of four new attractions, pig races, a 3-acre corn maze fit for all ages, and the Kids Village complete with a jail and a fire station. Swine speed toward the finish line 10 times daily, spurred on by the cheers of bleacher-seated audiences, and human competitors race playmates or sentient scarecrows through the giant Crazy Corn Maizey's swaying stalks. The Pumpkin Chucker launches gourds skyward, and pint-size patrons mirror mid-air trajectories on kiddy rides such as the new 90-foot Mega Fun Slide and Flying Frogs (free through October 30, excluding pony rides). Ghoulish chefs and mad scientists cook up screams in the Haunted Barn before sending the spooked off to enjoy the soothing effects and bleated lullabies of goats, zebras, kangaroos, and other critters at the petting zoo.

Choice-meat maestros at both Stefanelli's new location in Lockport and longstanding shop in Blue Island stock shelves with italian sausages, imported wines and cheeses, and fresh carry-out-menu items and catering platters. The breaded eggplant sandwich ($4.99) slumbers under a blanket of red sauce and cheese, and the muffolatto sandwich ($6.99) dresses to the nines in a three-piece suit of hot capicola, ham, and mortadella, garnished with a corsage of genoa salami. Cap off meals with a traditional cannoli ($1.49) picked fresh from an Italian cannoli tree. Alternatively, the catering menu ratchets up proportions with platters of pasta, chicken entrees, and sandwiches such as the torta round sub ($29.99), sized to feed 10 people or an entire convention of toddlers. The full pan of baked mostaccioli ($39.99) arrives topped with cheese and a desire to feed at least 20 people, and the half-pan of chicken or sausage vesuvio ($29.99) feeds 10–15 people and comes sidekicked with italian potatoes and mushrooms drizzled in a white-wine sauce.

Their pantry is stocked with saffron; their whetstone is well used; and they’ve had a himalayan salt block for years.
What can you get for the foodie who has everything?
I was pretty sure Gene’s Sausage Shop (4750 N. Lincoln Ave.) had the answer.
More than just a sausage shop, Gene's is a veritable wonderland of carefully handpicked European goodies. From classic Central European fruit brandies to rare German chocolates, Gene's prides itself on carrying items you won't find anywhere else.
Below are five of their hard-to-find products that are great for gift-giving to foodie friends and family:
SPICES AND SEASONINGS
Löwensenf mustard ($4.29 per 9.3-ounce jar)
Since 1903, Löwensenf has been producing mustards for those craving that traditional German-beer-hall flavor, whether you’re using it as dipping sauce for pretzels or spreading it over rye bread for a turkey sandwich. Gene’s carries it in medium, extra hot, and Bavarian style.
Maggi Würze ($3.99)
Gene’s is used to answering phone calls from frantic German expats who want to know one thing, and one thing only: “Do you have Würze?” The answer, thankfully, is yes. With its umami-rich flavor and vegetable-protein base, the dark-colored seasoning sauce is sort of like soy sauce without the soy. Inhabitants of German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland (where Würze originated) are sure to have a bottle or two on the shelves, but it’s not a stranger to Asia, either, popping up on tables throughout Indonesia and Malaysia. Add a dash or two to tofu and noodle dishes or go wild experimenting.
PRESERVES
Harvest Song Tea-Rose-Petal Preserves ($6.49 per 10.2-ounce jar)
When the holiday cheese plates come out, fig and apricot spreads abound, but why not add an edible bouquet to the mix? Harvest Song’s tea-rose-petal preserves contain the delicate aroma of fresh-cut roses with a subtly sweet taste perfect for accompanying soft cheeses such as brie and goat cheese. Pair it with riesling for an unexpected taste guests won’t soon forget.
Hafi Swedish Cloudberry Preserves ($10.69 per 14.1-ounce jar)
A Swedish delicacy, the crunchy seeds of cloudberries add an herbal tartness and extra texture to stacks of pancakes and bowls of ice cream. The berries can even be served on their own topped with whipped cream as a unique dessert. What’s keeping these Scandinavian gems from being every bit as ubiquitous as blueberries or blackberries? Cloudberries can’t be cultivated, so the berries in every jar of Hafi’s preserves are handpicked from the wild.
SWEET TOOTH
Lars’ Own Imported Belgian Pearl Sugar ($3.99 per 8-ounce pouch)
If you think IHOP’s belgian waffles have anything on the real deal, you’re pleasantly mistaken. Belgium’s waffles are traditionally served as easy, on-the-go street food with a caramelized, crispy exterior that makes syrup unnecessary. Pearl sugar is what makes the difference. Almost pebble sized, this special ingredient mixes into waffle dough and creates pockets of sweetness in every bite. Oh, and if you’re not sure where to start, Lars’ Own makes things easy by including a traditional waffle recipe on the back of every pouch.
Photo credit: Sarah Gorr, Groupon